Pottery Kiln Firing Cost Calculator
Pottery Kiln Firing Cost
Estimate electricity or gas cost for pottery kiln firings based on kiln size, cone temperature, and energy rates.
Formula
kWh Per Firing = Kiln kW x Firing Hours x 0.65 (duty cycle); Cost Per Firing = kWh x Electricity Rate; Monthly Cost = Cost Per Firing x Firings Per Month
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fire a kiln?
A typical cone 6 firing in an 8 kW kiln costs around 5 to 8 dollars in electricity at average US rates. Larger kilns and higher temperatures increase the cost.
Why is the duty cycle 65 percent?
Electric kilns cycle their elements on and off to maintain temperature. On average they draw about 65 percent of their rated power over a full firing cycle.
Is gas or electric cheaper for pottery firing?
Gas kilns can be cheaper at high temperatures (cone 10) but have higher upfront costs. Electric kilns are simpler and more common for home potters.